History of cartography

The history of cartography, or map-making, dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians and Greeks, who created the first known maps. During the Middle Ages, maps were often religious in nature, reflecting a limited understanding of geography. The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries spurred advances in cartography as explorers charted new lands. The invention of the printing press allowed for wider distribution of maps. Modern cartography combines technology and art, utilizing tools like GPS and GIS to create accurate, detailed representations, reflecting changes in both our understanding of the world and technological advancements.